Houston Zoo babies

June 18, 2012 11:06 PM

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A new female Masai giraffe was delivered by Mom Tyra shortly after 5 p.m. on March 4 at the McGovern Giraffe Exhibit at The African Forest following a 14 month pregnancy, March 5, 2011 in Houston at the Houston Zoo. From the Houston Zoo website: "Tyra went into labor at approximately 3:15 p.m. yesterday and delivered her baby 5:15 p.m.," said Houston Zoo Hoofed Stock Supervisor Laurie McGivern. The as yet unnamed calf was standing on her own and nursing by 6:15 p.m. "The calf weighs 150 pounds and is 6 foot 6 inches tall. She's a strong healthy baby," said McGivern. This is 12 year old Tyra's sixth calf. Kiva, the father is 15 years old. With this new arrival, the Houston Zoo's herd of Masai giraffe has grown to 8, including 5 males and 3 females." Zoo staff said there will be a chance the baby will be on display today, Sunday March 6, 2011.(Eric Kayne/For the Chronicle) (Eric Kayne / For the Chronicle) less

A new female Masai giraffe was delivered by Mom Tyra shortly after 5 p.m. on March 4 at the McGovern Giraffe Exhibit at The African Forest following a 14 month pregnancy, March 5, 2011 in Houston at the Houston ... more

A new female Masai giraffe, left, was delivered by Mom Tyra shortly after 5 p.m. on March 4 at the McGovern Giraffe Exhibit at The African Forest following a 14 month pregnancy, March 5, 2011 in Houston at the Houston Zoo. From the Houston Zoo website: "Tyra went into labor at approximately 3:15 p.m. yesterday and delivered her baby 5:15 p.m.," said Houston Zoo Hoofed Stock Supervisor Laurie McGivern. The as yet unnamed calf was standing on her own and nursing by 6:15 p.m. "The calf weighs 150 pounds and is 6 foot 6 inches tall. She's a strong healthy baby," said McGivern. This is 12 year old Tyra's sixth calf. Kiva, the father is 15 years old. With this new arrival, the Houston Zoo's herd of Masai giraffe has grown to 8, including 5 males and 3 females." Zoo staff said there will be a chance the baby will be on display today, Sunday March 6, 2011.(Eric Kayne/For the Chronicle) (Eric Kayne / For the Chronicle) less

A new female Masai giraffe, left, was delivered by Mom Tyra shortly after 5 p.m. on March 4 at the McGovern Giraffe Exhibit at The African Forest following a 14 month pregnancy, March 5, 2011 in Houston at the ... more

A new female Masai giraffe was delivered by Mom Tyra shortly after 5 p.m. on March 4 at the McGovern Giraffe Exhibit at The African Forest following a 14 month pregnancy, March 5, 2011 in Houston at the Houston Zoo. From the Houston Zoo website: "Tyra went into labor at approximately 3:15 p.m. yesterday and delivered her baby 5:15 p.m.," said Houston Zoo Hoofed Stock Supervisor Laurie McGivern. The as yet unnamed calf was standing on her own and nursing by 6:15 p.m. "The calf weighs 150 pounds and is 6 foot 6 inches tall. She's a strong healthy baby," said McGivern. This is 12 year old Tyra's sixth calf. Kiva, the father is 15 years old. With this new arrival, the Houston Zoo's herd of Masai giraffe has grown to 8, including 5 males and 3 females." Zoo staff said there will be a chance the baby will be on display today, Sunday March 6, 2011.(Eric Kayne/For the Chronicle) (Eric Kayne / For the Chronicle) less

A new female Masai giraffe was delivered by Mom Tyra shortly after 5 p.m. on March 4 at the McGovern Giraffe Exhibit at The African Forest following a 14 month pregnancy, March 5, 2011 in Houston at the Houston ... more

Zenobia, a species of lemur called Coquerel’s sifaka, with her baby at the Houston Zoo Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, in Houston. Born on January 6, the birth is a first for the zoo. The baby is also the first birth for the proud parents, mom Zenobia and dad Dean. It now weighs 4 ounces. ( Melissa Phillip / Chronicle ) (Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle) less

Zenobia, a species of lemur called Coquerel’s sifaka, with her baby at the Houston Zoo Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, in Houston. Born on January 6, the birth is a first for the zoo. The baby is also the first ... more

Zenobia, a species of lemur called Coquerel’s sifaka, with her... Photo-3083792.44682 - Houston Chronicle

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Zenobia, a species of lemur called Coquerel's sifaka, with her baby at the Houston Zoo Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, in Houston. Born on January 6, the birth is a first for the zoo. The baby is also the first birth for the proud parents, mom Zenobia and dad Dean. It now weighs 4 ounces. ( Melissa Phillip / Chronicle ) (Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle) less

Zenobia, a species of lemur called Coquerel's sifaka, with her baby at the Houston Zoo Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, in Houston. Born on January 6, the birth is a first for the zoo. The baby is also the first birth ... more

Zenobia, a species of lemur called Coquerel's sifaka, with her... Photo-3083793.44682 - Houston Chronicle

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Jack, a Masai Giraffe tends to his newly born brother a male baby giraffe Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, at the Houston City Zoo in Houston. Laurie McGivern, hoof stock supervisor at the Houston Zoo, said she was checking on the animals when she noticed legs coming out of Tyra. She and the rest of her staff started making room be separating the animals. McGivern also explains that giraffes are herding animals so all of the animals show their concerned for the baby by licking it and snuggling with it. ( Nick de la Torre / Chronicle ) (Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle) less

Jack, a Masai Giraffe tends to his newly born brother a male baby giraffe Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, at the Houston City Zoo in Houston. Laurie McGivern, hoof stock supervisor at the Houston Zoo, said she was ... more

Baby meerkats play in their exhibit at the Houston Zoo, Saturday,... Photo-3083798.44682 - Houston Chronicle

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The Houston Zoo is proud to announce the birth, Born 3-16-08, of a rare monkey at Wortham World of Primates. The birth of Schmidt's red tailed guenon, a rare monkey found in the Central African Republic, Kenya and Uganda, marks the first birth of the species at the Houston Zoo in 29 years. "The new arrival is a boy and his name is Matani," said primate supervisor Dena Strange. "Matani (Pron: muh-TAN-ee) means 'strength' in Swahili and the baby is living up to his name. He's very strong and healthy. His mother, Malaika is being a great mom," added Strange. The baby's father, Kabili arrived at the Zoo in 2006 with several other monkeys recovered from the bushmeat and illegal pet trade in Africa. (Courtesy Houston Zoo) less

The Houston Zoo is proud to announce the birth, Born 3-16-08, of a rare monkey at Wortham World of Primates. The birth of Schmidt's red tailed guenon, a rare monkey found in the Central African Republic, Kenya ... more

The Houston Zoo is proud to announce the birth, Born 3-16-08, of a... Photo-3083799.44682 - Houston Chronicle

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A new female Masai giraffe was delivered by Mom Tyra shortly after 5 p.m. on March 4 at the McGovern Giraffe Exhibit at The African Forest following a 14 month pregnancy, March 5, 2011 in Houston at the Houston Zoo. From the Houston Zoo website: "Tyra went into labor at approximately 3:15 p.m. yesterday and delivered her baby 5:15 p.m.," said Houston Zoo Hoofed Stock Supervisor Laurie McGivern. The as yet unnamed calf was standing on her own and nursing by 6:15 p.m. "The calf weighs 150 pounds and is 6 foot 6 inches tall. She's a strong healthy baby," said McGivern. This is 12 year old Tyra's sixth calf. Kiva, the father is 15 years old. With this new arrival, the Houston Zoo's herd of Masai giraffe has grown to 8, including 5 males and 3 females." Zoo staff said there will be a chance the baby will be on display today, Sunday March 6, 2011.(Eric Kayne/For the Chronicle) (Eric Kayne / For the Chronicle) less

A new female Masai giraffe was delivered by Mom Tyra shortly after 5 p.m. on March 4 at the McGovern Giraffe Exhibit at The African Forest following a 14 month pregnancy, March 5, 2011 in Houston at the Houston ... more

A new female Masai giraffe, left, was delivered by Mom Tyra shortly after 5 p.m. on March 4 at the McGovern Giraffe Exhibit at The African Forest following a 14 month pregnancy, March 5, 2011 in Houston at the Houston Zoo. From the Houston Zoo website: "Tyra went into labor at approximately 3:15 p.m. yesterday and delivered her baby 5:15 p.m.," said Houston Zoo Hoofed Stock Supervisor Laurie McGivern. The as yet unnamed calf was standing on her own and nursing by 6:15 p.m. "The calf weighs 150 pounds and is 6 foot 6 inches tall. She's a strong healthy baby," said McGivern. This is 12 year old Tyra's sixth calf. Kiva, the father is 15 years old. With this new arrival, the Houston Zoo's herd of Masai giraffe has grown to 8, including 5 males and 3 females." Zoo staff said there will be a chance the baby will be on display today, Sunday March 6, 2011.(Eric Kayne/For the Chronicle) (Eric Kayne / For the Chronicle) less

A new female Masai giraffe, left, was delivered by Mom Tyra shortly after 5 p.m. on March 4 at the McGovern Giraffe Exhibit at The African Forest following a 14 month pregnancy, March 5, 2011 in Houston at the ... more

A new female Masai giraffe was delivered by Mom Tyra shortly after 5 p.m. on March 4 at the McGovern Giraffe Exhibit at The African Forest following a 14 month pregnancy, March 5, 2011 in Houston at the Houston Zoo. From the Houston Zoo website: "Tyra went into labor at approximately 3:15 p.m. yesterday and delivered her baby 5:15 p.m.," said Houston Zoo Hoofed Stock Supervisor Laurie McGivern. The as yet unnamed calf was standing on her own and nursing by 6:15 p.m. "The calf weighs 150 pounds and is 6 foot 6 inches tall. She's a strong healthy baby," said McGivern. This is 12 year old Tyra's sixth calf. Kiva, the father is 15 years old. With this new arrival, the Houston Zoo's herd of Masai giraffe has grown to 8, including 5 males and 3 females." Zoo staff said there will be a chance the baby will be on display today, Sunday March 6, 2011.(Eric Kayne/For the Chronicle) (Eric Kayne / For the Chronicle) less

A new female Masai giraffe was delivered by Mom Tyra shortly after 5 p.m. on March 4 at the McGovern Giraffe Exhibit at The African Forest following a 14 month pregnancy, March 5, 2011 in Houston at the Houston ... more

Zenobia, a species of lemur called Coquerel’s sifaka, with her baby at the Houston Zoo Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, in Houston. Born on January 6, the birth is a first for the zoo. The baby is also the first birth for the proud parents, mom Zenobia and dad Dean. It now weighs 4 ounces. ( Melissa Phillip / Chronicle ) (Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle) less

Zenobia, a species of lemur called Coquerel’s sifaka, with her baby at the Houston Zoo Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, in Houston. Born on January 6, the birth is a first for the zoo. The baby is also the first ... more

Zenobia, a species of lemur called Coquerel’s sifaka, with her... Photo-3083804.44682 - Houston Chronicle

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Zenobia, a species of lemur called Coquerel's sifaka, with her baby at the Houston Zoo Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, in Houston. Born on January 6, the birth is a first for the zoo. The baby is also the first birth for the proud parents, mom Zenobia and dad Dean. It now weighs 4 ounces. ( Melissa Phillip / Chronicle ) (Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle) less

Zenobia, a species of lemur called Coquerel's sifaka, with her baby at the Houston Zoo Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, in Houston. Born on January 6, the birth is a first for the zoo. The baby is also the first birth ... more

Zenobia, a species of lemur called Coquerel's sifaka, with her... Photo-3083805.44682 - Houston Chronicle

Image 19 of 35

Jack, a Masai Giraffe tends to his newly born brother a male baby giraffe Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, at the Houston City Zoo in Houston. Laurie McGivern, hoof stock supervisor at the Houston Zoo, said she was checking on the animals when she noticed legs coming out of Tyra. She and the rest of her staff started making room be separating the animals. McGivern also explains that giraffes are herding animals so all of the animals show their concerned for the baby by licking it and snuggling with it. ( Nick de la Torre / Chronicle ) (Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle) less

Jack, a Masai Giraffe tends to his newly born brother a male baby giraffe Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, at the Houston City Zoo in Houston. Laurie McGivern, hoof stock supervisor at the Houston Zoo, said she was ... more

Two baby jaguars, a male named Nacon, left, and female named Masaya, right, who were born at the zoo to NaBalam on Christmas Eve are shown on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at the Houston Zoo. The cubs and mother went on exhibit last week. (Melissa Phillip/Chronicle) (Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle) less

Two baby jaguars, a male named Nacon, left, and female named Masaya, right, who were born at the zoo to NaBalam on Christmas Eve are shown on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at the Houston Zoo. The cubs and mother ... more

CONTACT FILED: HERMANN PARK ZOO-HOUSTON-ANIMALS
Baby orangutan Luna made her debut in the outdoor exhibit with her surrogate mother--more accurately, her cage mate, according to Primate curator Barbara Lester-- for the first time on 11-22-99 at the Houston Zoo. (The other orangutan, Cheyenne, is not visible in this photo.) HOUCHRON CAPTION (11/29/1999): Luna, above, has matured enough to live outdoors, but she still requires a protector. (John Everett / Houston Chronicle) less

CONTACT FILED: HERMANN PARK ZOO-HOUSTON-ANIMALS
Baby orangutan Luna made her debut in the outdoor exhibit with her surrogate mother--more accurately, her cage mate, according to Primate curator Barbara ... more

CONTACT FILED: HERMANN PARK ZOO-HOUSTON-ANIMALS
Mirri-Li, the newest arrival at the Houston Zoo's Koala Crossing, clings to mom Danda-Loo at the Zoo Thursday afternoon, Nov. 30, 2000. The first baby to be born to the Houston Zoo's Koala, which arrived in 1999, Mirri-Li was born in February and emerged from Danda-Loo's pouch in August. (Smiley N. Pool/Chronicle) HOUCHRON CAPTION (12/06/2000): Marri-Li, the newest arrival at the Houston Zoo's Koala Crossing, clings to mom Danda Loo, who rests i the crook of a tree inside the exhibit. HOUCHRON CAPTION (01/09/2001): Mirri-Li (Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle) less

CONTACT FILED: HERMANN PARK ZOO-HOUSTON-ANIMALS
Mirri-Li, the newest arrival at the Houston Zoo's Koala Crossing, clings to mom Danda-Loo at the Zoo Thursday afternoon, Nov. 30, 2000. The first baby to be ... more

CONTACT FILED: HERMANN PARK ZOO-HOUSTON-ANIMALS
Mirri-Li, the newest arrival at the Houston Zoo's Koala Crossing, clings to mom Danda-Loo at the Zoo Thursday afternoon, Nov. 30, 2000. The first baby to be born to the Houston Zoo's Koala, which arrived in 1999, Mirri-Li was born in February and emerged from Danda-Loo's pouch in August. (Smiley N. Pool/Chronicle). HOUCHRON CAPTION (04/27/2001): At the Houston Zoo, the emphasis is on flora as well as fauna. Chronicle garden editor Kathy Huber (NOT PICTURED) visits gardens that simulate the rain forest, the savanna, the desert and other native habitats of animals living at the zoo, such as the koalas. HOUCHRON CAPTION (04/28/2001): Koalas dine on nine species of eucalyptus. (Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle) less

CONTACT FILED: HERMANN PARK ZOO-HOUSTON-ANIMALS
Mirri-Li, the newest arrival at the Houston Zoo's Koala Crossing, clings to mom Danda-Loo at the Zoo Thursday afternoon, Nov. 30, 2000. The first baby to be ... more

NaBalam gives one of her two babies a bath on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at the Houston Zoo. Two baby jaguars, a male named Nacon and female named Masaya, were born at the zoo to NaBalam on Christmas Eve. (Melissa Phillip/Chronicle) (Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle) less

NaBalam gives one of her two babies a bath on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at the Houston Zoo. Two baby jaguars, a male named Nacon and female named Masaya, were born at the zoo to NaBalam on Christmas Eve. ... more

NaBalam gives one of her two babies a bath on Tuesday, March 23,... Photo-3083812.44682 - Houston Chronicle

Koala with baby for use in the lifestyle section 5_19_99. Sources: Houston Zoo; "The Koala Book" by Ann Sharp (Pelican, $29.95); Australian Koala Foundation - for full page information. HOUCHRON CAPTION ... more

Koala with baby for use in the lifestyle section 5_19_99. Sources:... Photo-3083813.44682 - Houston Chronicle

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CONTACT FILED: HERMANN PARK ZOO-HOUSTON-ANIMALS
(ROLL 1) 10/8/02--"Squirt", a 28 day old Chilean Flamingo at the Houston Zoo is taken to a pond to stretch his legs by zookeeper Camile Cline. http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/features/1618655 (Steve Campbell / Houston Chronicle) less

CONTACT FILED: HERMANN PARK ZOO-HOUSTON-ANIMALS
(ROLL 1) 10/8/02--"Squirt", a 28 day old Chilean Flamingo at the Houston Zoo is taken to a pond to stretch his legs by zookeeper Camile Cline. ... more

LUNA - BABY ORANGUTAN AT HOUSTON ZOO. HOUCHRON CAPTION (02/07/1998): Luna, the first great ape ever born at the Houston Zoo, is "doing beautifully," say officials at the zoo. The 4 1/2-month-old baby orangutan can't walk yet, but she can crawl like a human child. (John Everett / Houston Chronicle) less

LUNA - BABY ORANGUTAN AT HOUSTON ZOO. HOUCHRON CAPTION (02/07/1998): Luna, the first great ape ever born at the Houston Zoo, is "doing beautifully," say officials at the zoo. The 4 1/2-month-old baby ... more

Luna, a 7 mo. old orangutan bred at the Houston Zoo. HOUCHRON CAPTION (05/13/1998): Luna, a 7-month-old orangutan, climbs ropes with the help of a zookeeper's hand at the Houston Zoo on Tuesday. Luna was bred at the zoo and is one of the newest members of the ape exhibit. HOUCHRON CAPTION (08/27/1998): Luna, The baby Orangutan, comes out to play tonight at the zoo. (John Everett / Houston Chronicle) less

Luna, a 7 mo. old orangutan bred at the Houston Zoo. HOUCHRON CAPTION (05/13/1998): Luna, a 7-month-old orangutan, climbs ropes with the help of a zookeeper's hand at the Houston Zoo on Tuesday. Luna was ... more

elly's baby girl, born March 2 at the Houston Zoo's Wortham World of Primates is seen here clinging to a plush orangutan in the arms of her care giver Janet. The baby, as yet unnamed, is being hand reared by a team of trained and experienced care givers. The baby isn't on public view but her progress may be followed on the Houston Zoo's orangutan baby blog at http://www.houstonzooblogs.org/zoo/?p=8092. less

elly's baby girl, born March 2 at the Houston Zoo's Wortham World of Primates is seen here clinging to a plush orangutan in the arms of her care giver Janet. The baby, as yet unnamed, is being hand reared by a ... more